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Strahlentherapie und Onkologie

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01-02-2014 | Original article

Dose-dependent deterioration of swallowing function after induction chemotherapy and definitive chemoradiotherapy for laryngopharyngeal cancer

Authors: M. Haderlein, S. Semrau, O. Ott, S. Speer, C. Bohr, R. Fietkau

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 2/2014

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the influence of clinical, treatment- and dose-dependent factors on posttreatment swallowing function after induction chemotherapy and definitive chemoradiotherapy in a group of homogeneously treated laryngopharyngeal cancer patients.

Methods

From 28 May 2008 to 15 February 2013, 45 patients with borderline inoperable laryngopharyngeal cancer that had responded well to induction chemotherapy were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. Median follow-up was 22 months. Swallowing function and clinical data were prospectively analyzed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Swallowing structures were retrospectively delineated on the original treatment planning CT. Dose–volume histograms were calculated for swallowing structures and D_mean, D_max and V50–V64 values (in 2 Gy increments) were determined for each patient. Tumor volume and infiltration of the swallowing apparatus was defined by CT before induction chemotherapy.

Results

Of the 45 patients, 26 (57.8 %) fully regained swallowing function after chemoradiotherapy. A further 12 patients (26.7 %) were able to manage soft, pureed and/or liquid foods; the remaining 7 (15.6 %) were completely dependent on percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Posttreatment swallowing function was significantly influenced by D_mean to the superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM, p = 0.041). Correlations between late dysphagia and dose–volume relationships in the superior PCM and soft palate were also observed, which were significant from V60 (p = 0.043) and V58 for the soft palate and superior PCM, respectively. Of the evaluated clinical and tumor-related factors, only alcohol abuse (p = 0.024) had an influence on posttreatment swallowing function.

Conclusion

Almost 50 % of patients had deterioration of swallowing function after definitive chemoradiotherapy for laryngopharyngeal cancer. The dose to anatomical structures responsible for swallowing function appears to play a role. Therefore, in selected patients, target volume delineation for radiotherapy of laryngopharyngeal cancer should be optimized on an individual basis to spare the swallowing apparatus.

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Title: Dose-dependent deterioration of swallowing function after induction chemotherapy and definitive chemoradiotherapy for laryngopharyngeal cancer
Authors: M. Haderlein
S. Semrau
O. Ott
S. Speer
C. Bohr
R. Fietkau
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-013-0493-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Dose-dependent deterioration of swallowing function after induction chemotherapy and definitive chemoradiotherapy for laryngopharyngeal cancer

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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